What inspired you to pursue a career in IT?
In my corporate life at Microsoft, Amazon, Marconi, and Xbox, I was always drawn to how technology can save time, improve how customers use products, and create more profit. I was always asked to take part in projects that required innovation, rapid change, or changing strategies. I didn’t really choose a career in IT. Technology projects always seem to come my way.
What is the most challenging part about being a woman in IT?
How much more work needs to be done. When I am asked to speak at a conference, I need to have in my speaker agreement that I will only speak if there is an appropriate representation from a diverse group of speakers.
What inspired you to pursue a career in IT?
Like many people in our industry, I backed into my career in technology via Higher Education. As the Deputy Director of Enrollment Management at Fordham University, I was the liaison between our Enrollment division and the Information Technology group that supported our efforts. Cambridge Technology Partners, a business consulting organization, came looking for leaders in the higher education space, to join their team of consultants focusing on ERP implementations in the higher education market space. That was my entrance into the world of technology, cloud and cyber solutions. The rest is history…
What is the most challenging part about being a woman in IT?
The fact that there are so few female leaders in our industry is alarming. The industry, unfortunately, doesn’t foster an environment where women can flourish. The lack of representation for women in tech can hinder a woman’s ability to succeed in the industry. We have very few mentors and sponsors available for women to grow and thrive within their roles. It can be even more isolating as a female leader/executive in the world of Big Tech because unfortunately the “Bro Culture” is pervasive. The biggest challenge is finding the right network and identifying opportunities to promote each other.
What is the most rewarding part about being a woman in a leadership role?
Hearing about my clients getting promoted, driving up their stock price, successfully positioning their companies for acquisition…and having one of my three daughters telling me that I am “slaying it!”
Why is diversity in business important to you?
Speaking at my daughter’s schools and hearing how much tweens and teens are challenging the stereotypical views of identity gives me hope for the future.
What advice would you give an aspiring female IT leader?
Learn to become “tri-lingual” speak the language of business, technology, creativity to produce growth beyond a typical IT leader.
Want to tell us anything else?
I wrote my three books Thoughtfully Ruthless, Rapid Growth Done Right, and Words That Work to share stories, tools, and insights that anyone can use and immediately apply.
Help Us Keep IT Diverse
BlackHawk Data is proud to be a woman-owned small business. We’re committed to sharing the stories of women in our industry and opening doors for young professionals. We believe everyone should be able to make changes in the tech world.
Learn more about our commitment to diversity today!